Since then, captains would rather gain leads in excess of 450 and make the opposition bat late Day 4 and all of Day 5 on a wearing pitch where a decent spinner can wreak havoc.

The same idea applied in this match - although, we allowed more time for them to score the runs. But the declaration was timed so that we could make most of the evening conditions. A correct move in my book. Had Smudge hung on to those relatively simple chances, we wouldn't even be talking about this today. And if we had a decent in form spinner, it would have been over Day 4.

As it turned out, it was an enthralling match. Loved it. The Pakis were awesome in the 2nd dig.

Since then, captains would rather gain leads in excess of 450 and make the opposition bat late Day 4 and all of Day 5 on a wearing pitch where a decent spinner can wreak havoc.

The same idea applied in this match - although, we allowed more time for them to score the runs. But the declaration was timed so that we could make most of the evening conditions. A correct move in my book. Had Smudge hung on to those relatively simple chances, we wouldn't even be talking about this today. And if we had a decent in form spinner, it would have been over Day 4.

As it turned out, it was an enthralling match. Loved it. The Pakis were awesome in the 2nd dig.

Since then, captains would rather gain leads in excess of 450 and make the opposition bat late Day 4 and all of Day 5 on a wearing pitch where a decent spinner can wreak havoc.

The same idea applied in this match - although, we allowed more time for them to score the runs. But the declaration was timed so that we could make most of the evening conditions. A correct move in my book. Had Smudge hung on to those relatively simple chances, we wouldn't even be talking about this today. And if we had a decent in form spinner, it would have been over Day 4.

As it turned out, it was an enthralling match. Loved it. The Pakis were awesome in the 2nd dig.